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Posted on February 23rd 2021
Covid Testing in School - How It Works
Lateral flow Covid tests are taking place within school on a weekly basis for students, and twice a week for staff.
At present we have around 75 boys in school every day and we plan to continue with the testing once the school reopens to all students.
Lateral flow tests are designed to identify people who have Covid but are not showing symptoms. It's another way we are working to keep our school community safe.
We follow government guidance and have a team of trained testers in school to carry out the process. Students self-administer the test under the guidance of the team.
"These tests are another way we can stop the spread of the virus unknowingly," said Mr Brett. "If students or staff have symptoms they must get a full Covid test and isolate as per government guidance. This is not a replacement for normal testing."
What boys say...
"I don't really mind having the test," said Ibrahim, Year 8. "It feels really tickly sometimes but it's quick. To begin with I was a bit worried because I thought it might show I had Covid but I've had the test for three weeks now and it's fine."
Barack, Year 8, said: "It felt wierd the first time. I'm OK with having a swab on your tonsils but I don't so much like having it up my nose. But I've had it done three times now so I'm sort of used to it."
Ibrahim K, also Year 8, said he was a bit worried at first because he didn't like the idea of pushing a swab up his nose. "But I've gone through the experience now and understand what's happening."
Boys administer the test themselves (above), under the supervision of staff. Before the boys have the test for the first time they watch a video so they know what to expect.
Carolina (above), one of our science technicians, who has been trained to do the lateral flow tests.
